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Alexander’s eyes were shrewd and narrowing. “There’s a rumor that Ms. Madden told Ms. Spinner that you called off the engagement and were going to cancel the contract,” he said, telling me his information hadn’t come from Rylee, and that mattered more than anyone could know.
I let out a dark laugh, like I was about to let Alexander in on a dark secret. “Well, let me tell you something about Laney Spinner and August Remington, Alexander.” His back straightened, and I knew I was going to have to call in the big guns for a check into August and Alexander’s relationship. “August Remington wants my girl,” I informed him. “And before you start to defend him or claim otherwise, August asked Rylee out back in May. Rylee turned him down, and then you know what happened next? He picked Laney Spinner, Rylee’s roommate and close friend, as his supporter. And I don’t have to tell you how he took the Hera contract announcement, Alexander. You were there.”
Alexander didn’t comment for a while. He seemed to be mulling over what I’d just told him, and he surprised me when he finally said. “Any proof of interference will be dealt with harshly, Mr. Lexington. You have my word.”
I gave him a tight nod. “And just for the record, I am not, nor do I have any plans of cancelling the contract agreement.Ever.”
Alexander returned the nod, but as he made his way past me towards the front door, he left me with one last ominous piece of advice. “Marry Ms. Madden as soon as possible, Mr. Lexington. The delay isn’t good for anyone.”
I watched him walk out of my condo and thought he couldn’t be more right.
Chapter 32
Rylee~
Not only was I a fucking mess, but I was also way in over my head.
AfterStone had left my motel room, I had slid to the floor in a trembling mess because I believed him. He was going to destroy me if I didn’t give in, and I didn’t know what to do about that.
Then his words about repaying my parents’ loyalty had kept drumming around in my head. I knew my pride wasn’t worth my family losing everything they’ve worked so hard for. Still, handing Stone a win would be like handing my soul over to him.
He’d own me.
I wasn’t sure how long I sat on that motel room floor, wondering how I got myself into this mess, before I finally made it out to my car and got some clothes and made myself presentable enough to face the world. However, after spending two hours searching for rooms to rent and filling out applications, I found myself back at Kincaid’s front door.
When I had texted her, telling herthat I needed her help, she had immediately replied, and I knew that, no matter what happened between me and Stone, there was no way I could walk away from someone as selfless and special as Kincaid. Even after telling her that I never wanted to see her again or have anything to do with anyone in The Order, she had welcomed me back to her apartment, no questions asked.
Kincaid had buzzed me into her building, and stepping out of the elevator, making my way down the hallway, I could see she was already standing in her doorway, waiting for me.
Ialmost started crying.
It was eight on a Saturday night, and I was at Kincaid Black’s apartment, ready to just cry all over the poor girl.
GoddamnStone Lexington.
Kincaid stepped back and let me through the door, but when I stopped in the middle of her living room, I was brought up short as a beautiful Hastings Martin smiled at me from the kitchen off the east side of the apartment.
Hastings Martin was five-foot-four of just stunning beauty. Shehad platinum blonde hair and bright hazel eyes, but she wasn’t sporting the typical girl-next-door look. Hastings could best be described as elegant. She was captivating, classy.
“Rylee, this is Hastings Martin,” Kincaid said, coming up next to me. “She’smy roommate.”
I gave Hastings a tentative smile. “Hi.”
“Hey,” she returned, still smiling. “Don’t mind me, I was just leaving. Party at Drummond Markle’s frat.” And no one could fault her for that. Even if you weren’t throwing your hat in the ring for some of Drummond Markle’s attentions, it was enough to just be around him, so you could stare at the guy. Take Hayden Christensen and multiply him by ten, and you got Drummond Markle.
Still,as gorgeous as Drummond Markle was, apparently, blondes didn’t do it for me. I was attracted to brunettes with brown eyes who were complete assholes.
“Uh, good luck,” I muttered because I didn’t know what else to say.
Hastings laughed. “Oh, I’m not interested in Drummond.” She waved a perfectly manicured hand at me. “He just throws the best parties.”
I quickly turned to face Kincaid. “Oh, God,” I rushed out. “Were you going to his party, too? Did I ruin your plans?”
“No,Rylee,” she answered. “I was in for the night.” Her answer made me feel better, but I wasn’t quite sure that I believed her.
“Well, I’m off,ladies,” Hastings announced. “If you guys decide you’re up for a little fun tonight, text me and I’ll meet you guys at Drummond’s.”
“Thanks,” Kincaid told her while I just stayed mummed. I’d never heard anything bad about Drummond Markle, but I was pretty sure he was another person who was too cool for me.
